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Two important events may shape the future of Medicare: the expiration of the Health Accord in 2014 and the federal election in 2015.
Ottawa (03 Dec. 2012) – The Canadian Health Coalition, of which the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is a member, has called December 2-8 as National Medicare Week for 2012.
Health care is always rated as a top election issue and number one social program for Canadians. Yet the Harper federal government isn’t interested playing a role in transforming our health care system to meet the needs of the next generation.
Nor is the Harper government fulfilling its legal obligations under the Canada Health Act. Instead, responsibility for the future of medicare is being downloaded onto the provinces (along with a $36 billion cut to transfers). The federal government has cut-and-run from health care.
Public health care in Canada is approaching an important crossroads. Two important events may shape the future of medicare: the expiration of the Health Accord in 2014 and the federal election in 2015.
In the lead up to the renewal of the 2014 Health Accord, Canadians want the federal government to work closely with the provinces and territories to strike a long-term deal that will strengthen Canada’s public health care system. Canadians need a federal government:
- committed to national standards and ensuring all Canadians have universal access without financial barriers to care;
- that shows leadership and acts as a catalyst for innovation and facilitates the sharing of best-practices; and
- committed to fulfilling its legal obligation under the Canada Health Act and stop illegal queue-jumping and extra-billing.
More information:
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE